Tuesday 25 September 2012

Rose Award Success for Borough

Carrickfergus has been award the Translink Ulster in Bloom – Roses in Towns Trophy for 2012 at an award ceremony at Belfast Castle today. The Roses in Towns Trophy, is presented annually to the Council area with the best display of roses. The Borough also received the Best Station Award for Carrickfergus Rail & Bus Station and Best Community Rail Halt Award for Whitehead Rail Station.

Alderman May Beattie said "The three awards received today is recognition of the horticultural talent we have within the borough. Translink Ulster in Bloom is a great opportunity for our Borough to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our Borough is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative also plays a critical role in bringing people and investment to the town. However, it's important to say that issues such as cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement are equally as important.

In the Borough, the 'In Bloom' initiative is much more than bedding plants and making the Borough look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with our partners have done a wonderful job in broadening the appeal of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative, by getting people to work together we have made our Borough better. Our successes within Ulster in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local people, community groups, businesses and other statuary bodies. I would like to thank the Council’s Parks and Cleansing staff whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of our entries over many years and I congratulate everyone who took part this year." Ended Alderman May Beattie

Carrickfergus in Bloom Winner Announced

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee has announced the Carrickfergus in Bloom Competition Winners and Runners-up this morning for the Borough-wide Best Kept Awards.

At the Whitehead home of the Best Kept Garden winner Leslie Spearman, Alderman Beattie said “We are delighted to announce the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up. Despite the dismal weather this year we have been impressed with the quality and diversity of the entrants that have entered. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of horticultural talent in our Borough.”

“Winners and runners-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. At the ceremony we shall announce our plans for Carrickfergus in Bloom in the coming year. I would also like to thank the sponsors for supporting Carrickfergus in Bloom." ended Alderman Beattie

Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council and one of the judges commented "The quality of the entries this year has been impressive, the time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is a credit too them. Deciding on the winners is difficult and the marks can be very close, all who took part should be proud of their achievements." Please note Best Kept Painting & Poetry competitions are still open to enter visit www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/competitions.
 
Best Kept Garden
  • Winner: Leslie Spearman from Whitehead
  • Runner-Up: Deborah Walker from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Georgie Brown from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Nicola Porter from Carrickfergus
Best Kept Container Garden
  • Winner: Marilyn Cairns from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Annette Keith from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Elizabeth Johnston from Eden
  • Runner-Up: Chris Hamil from Whitehead
Best Kept Community Planting Scheme
  • Winner: Carrickfergus Traders Association
  • Runner-Up: Brighter Whitehead
  • Runner-Up: Barn Court Children’s Home, Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Brooklands Drive Residents Association, Whitehead.
Best Commercial Premises
  • Winner: The Courtyard, Carrickfergus.
  • Runner-Up: Hairtopia, Whitehead.
  • Runner-Up: Gary's, Carrickfergus.
Best Kept Café, Pub or Hotel
  • Winner: Coffee & Cream, Whitehead.
  • Runner-Up: Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast, Carrickfergus.
  • Runner-Up: The Courtyard Coffee House, Carrickfergus.
Tallest Sunflower Competition
  • Winner: Thomas & Harry Irwin from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Laura Clugston & Roma Rajkumar from Carrickfergus
  • Runner-Up: Sarah & Scott Alexander from Carrickfergus